BassesByLeo

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First off, just so you're clear, there are actually two versions of the SB-1. The first was only made from 1982-84 and features a slab body (no arm or "tummy cut" contours) and a single coil J-style (though slightly larger dimensions) in the P-bass position "sweet spot." The second style (often referred to as "second generation"), introduced in '85, is a more traditional P-bass style with traditional body contours and a split-coil pickup. For the purposes of this comparison, I'll assume you're interested in the 2nd generation model.

Two major differences, really:

1) With very few exceptions, the SB-1 features a G&L patented Magnetic Field Design (MFD) split-coil pickup which is hotter and more aggressive than a typical P-bass pickup (though this can be tamed with simple manipulation of the volume and tone controls). The MFD has adjustable pole pieces. The exception to the rule is that the first of these basses produced (from 1985 to early '86) feature a Schaller PBX pickup (virtually identical to today's DiMarzio Model-P) instead of the MFD. The Schaller also features adjustable pole pieces but otherwise looks like the traditional, boxy P pup whereas the MFD has a more rounded profile along the top if you look at it carefully. The Schaller is a hot pickup as well, but closer in sound to a vintage P than the MFD. The LB-100 features a vintage-style Alnico magnet split-coil manufactured by Gotoh.

2) The body profiles are different. The SB-1 is somewhat downsized from the original P shape and slightly thinner front-to-back, whereas the LB-100 is a straight-up P-bass body. The pickguards are also slightly different as a result. The controls are laid out the same (typical volume/tone), but the placement is slightly different.

It's also worth noting that the LB-100 was originally called the Legacy Bass, but the name was changed early on because of a trademark issue with that name. The only difference between the Legacy Bass and the LB-100 (aside from production numbers) is the headstock decal.

My SB-1 w/ a body date of 4/1/86 has the Schaller, which I figured was a mod when I picked the thing up (for a song, I might add). Greg's site was what hipped me to the fact that it was actually original to the bass. A great sounding pickup, too, though you won't hear me talking down the MFD.

I owned and played a 1989 SB-1 for 9 years. With that bass, the original vision for the Precision bass reached the pinnacle of its potential. It was the best P-bass possible. The pickup in particular puts out a very strong signal. It's hot. The SB-1 has a HUGE sound including clear, present highs, growly mids, and enormous low end.

The LB-100 I played a few times for a few minutes at instrument shops. Accounting for not plugging into my own amplification, I found the LB-100 an excellent reproduction of a Fender Precision at its best.

The SB-1 is a better bass insofar as you can hear and feel the advancement G&L made beyond the Fender Precision - especially with that split-coil MFD pickup, whose rounded edges feel better under the thumb, too.